If instead of using the BMW E36 slave cylinder you use a Land Rover series 2/2a slave cylinder it has a threaded rod, of M8x1.25mm that sticks out 80mm or so, makes the job even easier, I use a series 2/2a master cyl of 7/8 size with remote reservoir.
Together these two cost me £26.56 delivered from wapsipurt on ebay, all in as said around £50-£70, very very worthwhile doing.
tabetha